Selective valve operating apparatus



N. ANDREWS, 4

SELECTIVE VALVE OPERATING APPARATUS Dec. 22, 1936.

Filed Nov. 13, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet l Z q' Z.

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INVENTOR 7260671 A OR BY Dec. 22, 1936.

N. R. ANDREWS SELECTIVE VALVE OPERATING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 13, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 fit Patented Dec. 22, 1936 PATENT OFFICE SELECTIVE VALVE OPERATING APPARATUS Nathaniel R. Andrews, Yonkers, N. Y.

Application November 13, 1934, Serial No. 752,855

40 Claims.

This invention relates to a valve-operating apparatus particularly applicable for use in selectively operating valves such as ordinary gate or globe valves arranged regularly in manifold or bank" formation and which are opened and closed by rotating the valve stem. The apparatus may, for example, be usefully employed in connection with sugar or oil refining machinery for the operation, from a point of remote control, of a single valve at a time or of a plurality of valves arranged in' group form or in a bank and which may require, in some instances, se-' lective operation, and in other instances, simultaneous operation.

The apparatus of my invention is adapted for general use and for various special uses, and in general comprehends a traveler, a rider on the traveler, and valve-operating means on the rider whereby to open or close one or a plurality of valves. The apparatus also comprehends means including electric glow lamp signals for indicating to the operator whether the valves are in open or closed position, and also involves means for.

indicating to the operator the relative position of the valve-operating devices with respect to the valves in the bank.

Among the objects accomplished by the invention arethe following:

To provide a horizontally operable traveler and a vertically operable rider, both electrically controlled, and through the control of the traveler and rider to locate the valve operating device before the valve, or group of valves, to be operated, withinan allowable clearance. To automatically and accurately center the valve operatlng device and lock it in such position. To

automatically adapt the valve operating device to the stem travel and seating requirements of the valve, or valves to be operated. To automatically open or close the valve, or group of valves, desired. To provide three electrical con? trol switches with their circuits and so interlock the same that neither the traveler nor the rider can be moved or displaced while the centering, locking, or opening and closing devices are operative, and also vice versa. To provide means for allowing full torque of the opening and clos'- ing motor to be applied when starting the valve diskfrom its seat during the opening operation, or from contact with its proper travel stop during the closing operation of the valve; and to automatically adjust the torque to the desired amount for the seating of the valve while it is being closed, or if the valve is being opened, to adjust the torque to the desired amount for properly stopping the disk holder against the body of the valve at the completion of the opening operation. j

Other objects accomplished by the invention consist in the provision of mercury governor means for limiting the speed of operation of the valve-operating device, and the provision of means whereby at the-completion of both the opening and closing operations of the valve, or group of valves, to free the operating device in such manner that the strain in the gear train will be relieved for easy withdrawal, or disconnection of the valve operating device.

I Provision is also made whereby at the completion of the operation for opening or closing a valve, or group of valves, all of the electrical circuits will be cleared", and further whereby, after the opening or closing of a valve, or group of valves, all mechanical parts will be restored so that the operator may begin the next cycle of operation, 1. e., the next valve operation that may be desired.

Although in the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is shown a group or bank of valves consisting of horizontal and vertical rows, it is to be understood that with proper adaptations in the parts of the apparatus, which adaptations may be made without any change in operative principle, the valves may be inclined as to the positions thereof or they may be arranged on a cylindrical or curved surface. The valves to be operated may be of varioussizes, may have different ranges of travel, and may require different seating pressures. The

apparatus automatically adjusts itself in these respects to the duties to be performed, seating the valve disk on its seat with the proper pressure for the size of the valve which it is operating. The speed control means which is employed allows the use of a series motor with its advantage of high starting torque. When the valves are arranged for group operation, each group may include two or more different sizes of valves, and the groups in the bank may differ in respect to valve sizes and in the order of the arrangement of the valves. The groups may also differ as to the number of active valves in each group.

While in the present embodiment, I have shown an example of the invention having two duplicate valve-operating devices, only one of which is illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that any number of similar valve-operating devices can be employed in an apparatus designed for such purpose, as this does not affect the principle of the invention. The present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, showing one example of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered as limited thereby in any respect. The full scope of the invention will appear after an understanding of the illustrated embodiment and an appreciation of the advantages the invention produces therein.

It is to be understood that various additional objects not specifically enumerated above, are inherent in the invention and these will appear to one skilled in the art as the following specification proceeds.

Referring now in brief to the drawings, wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view, parts being broken away, of a selective valve-operating apparatus produced according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view and section, looking toward the right-hand end of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the accurate centering and locking mechanism for the rider;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional elevational view of the accurate centering and locking mechanism for the traveler, this view being taken on the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 8-6 of Fig. 1 and showing in side elevation and detail one of the valve operating devices or units in association with a wheel valve, certain of the parts being broken away to show the next adjacent valve-operating device and wheel valve when looking in the direction of the arrows associated with said section line 6-6.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view, more or less diagrammatical in character, showing a group of valves to be operated, some members being of a size different from other members, the group comprising three horizontal rows and three vertical rows;

Fig. 8 represents merely for the purpose of iilustration, a characteristic control station, showing signal lamps for indicating the opened and closed positions of the valves shown in Fig. '7, showing dials for the traveler and rider marked to correspond with the valves, and showing also the interlocking control switches;

Fig. 9 diagrammatically illustrates an arrangement of the interlocking circuit connections for the control switches;

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the relation of the circuits and electrical devices of the driving motors for the traveler and rider, respectively;

Fig. 11 is a characteristic diagram of the electrical illuminating connections for the mercury switches the movements of which are controlled by the operation of their corresponding valveoperating devices;

Figs. 12 and 13 diagrammatically illustrate by successive portions the arrangement of circuits and electrical devices for the accurate centering and locking mechanisms and for the two valveoperating devices.

Describing the invention with reference to the drawings, in which I have shown two corresponding valve-operating devices supported for operation upon a rider which in turn is operatively supported upon a traveler, it will be seen that the framework of the traveler, designated as a whole by 2|! and which is illustrated as an upright or vertical structure, is mounted on the wheels 2i and 22 which turn on a horizontal track rail 23. The wheel 22 comprises the traction wheel and it is driven by an electric motor 24 through magnetic coupling 26, gear reducer 25, belt 21 and pulley 28. The motor 24 and gear reducer 25 are mounted upon aplatform 23' located immediately above the traction wheel 22. The magnetic coupling 26 is on gear reducer driven shaft 26, the same being incorporated in said shaft between the gear reducer and pulley 26 which drives the belt 21. Mounted for vertical sliding movement in suitable guides 28 in the traveler framework 20, is the rider frame 29. Attached to the rider frame 23 are cables 30 and 3| which are trained over the traction sheave wheels 32 and 33, respectively, said cable 3| being also trained over an idler sheave wheel 34. Below the sheave wheels 32 and 33, these two cables are attached to a counterbalancing weight 35 which is slidably engaged with a vertical flange 35 provided for the purpose on the traveler framework. Traction sheaves 32 and 33 are mounted on a common shaft 36, free to turn on a suitable bearing in framework 20, and they are driven by an electric motor 31 through gear reducer 38, magnetic coupling 39, belt and-pulley 4!. The motor 31 and gear reducer 38 are supported upon a suitable platform 4l projecting from the framework 20 at the upper end thereof over the platform 23'. The magnetic coupling 39 is incorporated in gear reducer driven shaft 39, between the gear reducer and the pulley 39" which drives the belt 40.

To the underside of an extension 42 of the traveler framework 20, which projects adjacent to and beyond the travel wheel 2|, there is secured a motor 42 which comprises the transmitting motor of a conventional se1syn" set. The rotor of this motor 42 is rotated by means of a pinion 44 which is in engagement with a stationary gear rack 45 disposed adjacent to and parallel with the track rail 23. The reduction ratio of gear reducer 43, which is supported from extension 42 and interposed in the transmission line between the pinion 44 and the motor 42, is such that the maximum travel permitted the traveler 20 in either direction produces less than one revolution of the motor 42. Another motor 46 and its gear reducer 41 are rigidly mounted on the rider frame 23. This motor also comprises the transmitting motor of a selsyn set and its rotor is rotated by a pinion 43 engaged with a vertically extending gear rack 43 mounted on the traveler framework 20. The reduction ratio of the reducer 41 is such that the maximum travel of the rider relative to the traveler produces less than one revolution of the motor 46.

For the traveler and rider accurate centering and locking mechanisms are provided in order to adjust, secure and maintain these parts in the desired positions for aligning the valve operating devices presently to be described, with the valves which are to be operated thereby. The accurate centering and locking mechanisms are shown in general in Figs. 1 and 2 and in more detail in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the accurate centering and locking mechanism mounted in vertical position on the rider 23 while Figs. 1 and 5 show a corresponding mechanism mounted in horizontal position on the traveler 20. Referring first to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, it will be seen that the hub 50 of the bell crank 5| is free to turn in a bearing 52 which is rigidly mounted on the frame of rider 29, and that said hub is restrained from longitudinal movement by a collar 53. A

shaft 54 extends through the hub 50 and is free to move longitudinally therein, but is restrained from rotating independently of the hub 50 by means of its longitudinally'extending key or projection 55 which has sliding fit in a key-way or slot in the hub 50. To said shaft 54 are rigidly fastened the solenoid plunger 56, an arm 51 and a collar 58. Said shaft 541s free to move both longitudinally and rotatively in solenoid coil 50 and in bearing 60, both being rigidly fixed to rider frame 29. A spring 6i, coiled loosely about the shaft 54, is imprisoned between and exerts pressure against collar 58 and bearing 60. The housing 62 of the solenoid coil 59 and the housing 63 of another solenoid coil 54 are both rigidly fastened to the rider frame 29. To the plunger 65 of solenoid coil 64 is securely fastened a rod 66 which is pivotally connected at (iii with one arm of the bell crank and which, when the solenoid 64 is energized, moves the bell crank 5! against the action of a spring 61 fastened at one end to the rider frame and at the other end to the bell crank arm at 61. A contact bar 68, secured to but electrically insulated from the plunger 65, is adapted, when the plunger is drawn into the coil, to make contact with the two contact points 69 which are supported by, but electrically insulated from, the solenoid housing 63. A contact bar 10 secured to but insulated from plunger 56 is adapted, when plunger 56 is drawn into the coil 50, to make electrical contact with contact points 1 I.

As has been observed, the arm 51 is fixed to the shaft 54, and the bell crank 5i is so keyed to said shaft that its other or free arm 12 lies opposite to and parallel with the arm 51. In this relationship the two arms 51 and 12 are turned together with the turning of the shaft. Now, the traveler frame is provided with a vertical row of spaced-apart stop pins 13, each of which as we presently shall observe, corresponds as to elevation with a valve or valves to be operated. When or while the rider is being raised or lowered, the two solenoids 64 and 59 being deenergized, arms 51 and 12 are in such positions that they escape engagement with the pins 13; but when it is desired to interlock the-rider with any selected pin,

the solenoid is energized when the rider is in that position in which the two arms 51 and 12 will be swung into positions at opposite sides of the selected pin, whereupon, upon the energization of the other solenoid 59, the shaft 54 will be moved longitudinally until the two arms clamp against the solenoid pin from opposite sides thereof with the result that the rider will be locked in the position selected until the two solenoids are again de-energized.

The accurate centering and locking mechanism on the traveler is in construction and operation a substantial duplicate of the mechanism on the rider which has just been described for inter locking the rider with a selected pin 13, except that on the traveler, such mechanism is mounted in horizontal position so as to interlock the traveler with any one of the pins 13' arranged in spaced relation in a horizontal row parallelto the track rail 23. Since this accurate centering and locking mechanism on the traveler is a duplicate, it seems unnecessary to describe the same in detail, but only to point out by reference to Figs. 1 and 5, that it includes arms 51' and 12' for engaging against opposite sides of a selected pin 13'. The arm 51' is rigid with the shaft 54' while the arm 12' is part of a bell crank the hub of which is keyed on said shaft, its other arm being pivotaliy connected through rod 60' with the plunger 65' which cooperates with solenoid coil 64 in housing 63. The plunger 65' carries an insulated contact bar 68 for cooperating with the contact points 69, and moves against the action of a spring 61'. The solenoid 62' contains a coil for cooperating with the plunger 56' fastened to the shaft 54' which moves longitudinally against the action of spring 5 I From the end of the plunger 56' there is supported an insulated contact bar 10' which makes contact with the contact points 1i when the plunger is drawn into the solenoid coil. When the coils of both solenoids B2 and 63' are energized, the arms 51' and 12' will be movedinto interlocking engagement with the selected pin, the traveler having of course, prior to the energization of the solenoids, been moved into that relation with the selected pin which will permit interlocking engagement therewith by the two arms 51 and 12'. The horizontal spacing of the pins 13' correspond with the horizontal spacing of the valve or valves to be operated, as will presently be made manifest.

The traveler is guided at the top by the overrent from the traveler 20 to the electrically operated devices mounted on the rider 29.

The valve opening and closing devices or'units will now be described in detail. In the present embodiment only two of these devices or units are shown, respectively indicated as a whole in Fig. 1 by the reference characters 2M and 20!.

These devices or units are individually mounted upon the rider frame 29 transversely thereof, and it will be observed that in the present embodiment they lie in planes at right angles to the plane of the rider. Inasmuch as these devices or units 20! and 2M are duplicates, a detailed description of the former will also suflice for the latter, although in describing the interlocking electrical circuitsand connections for these devices it may sometimes be necessary to refer to parts of the device or unit 2M and for purposes of convenience and identity, such references will be made in the prime terms of the numerals employed in describing the device or unit 20l Referring now to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the hub 203 of the bevel gear 202 is mounted for free rotation in a bearing in the framing or unit 2M, and is restrained from longitudinal movement therein by the collar 204. The shaft 205 is provided with a longitudinally extending key or projection 206 which fits in a corresponding slot or keyway in the hub 203 of the bevel gear 202. The shaft 205 with its key 206 is free to move longitudinally in the hub 203, but the rotation of the'bevel gear'202 causes the shaft 205 to rotate with it. To the shaft- 205 is fastened a collar 201 having an annular flange 208. A coil spring 209 fits loosely around the shaft 205 and exerts pressure against the hub 203 and the collar 208. To shaft 205, which is preferably of non-magnetic material, is fixed the soft iron plunger 2l0 which is free to move longitudinally 75 and rotatively within the solenoid coil 2! I. The housing 2I2 of the solenoid coil 2!! is rigidly fastened to the framework 20!. One end of the shaft 205 terminates in a fork 2l3 while the other end thereof is free to move longitudinally and rotatively in a bearing 2! 4 provided in the framework 205. A vertically disposed electric motor 2I5 is rigidly fastened to the framework 20! and to the lower end of the driving shaft 2I6 of this motor is keyed a bevel gear 2! 1 which meshes with the bevel gear 202. To the upper end of shaft 2I8 is keyed a gear 2 I8 which meshes with a relatively large gear 2I9, and this lastnamed gear is keyed to a shaft 220 which is free to rotate in a bearing of the framework 20!. The upper end of the shaft 220 is centrally and rigidly fixed to the circular bottom of a cylindrical cup-shaped shell 22!. Within this cupshaped shell, which is preferably of non-magnetic material, are disposed mercury contactors 222 and 223 which are rigidly supported in inclined positions by means of suitable clips 224 and 225, respectively, these clips being rigidly fastened to the shell 22 5. Each terminal of the mercury contactors is electrically connected to its individual slip ring 226. The several slip rings 226 are electrically insulated from one another, each having its individual contact brush 221, and in this connection it is to be observed that the several brushes 221 are electrically insulated from one another and from the framework 20! which supports them.

A rod 228 of square cross sectional form is rigidly fastened at one end to the framework 20! and at the other end to the solenoid housing 2I2. A square hole in the sliding member 229 receives therethrough with sliding fit the guide rod 228, so that said member 229 may move longitudinally along the guide rod 228. The arms 230 of the sliding member 22! comprise a fork which engages with the flange 208 in such manner that a longitudinal movement of shaft 205 will produce a corresponding movement of the sliding member 229 with its integral upwardly extending arms 23! and 232. The feeler 233 is a rod of square cross sectional form, free to slide lengthwise in square holes in framework 20! and the arm 232, and is provided with collars 234 and 235. A coil spring 236 fits loosely about feeler 233 and exerts pressure against collar 234 and framework 20!. To the collar 235 are fastened'contact points 231 and 238, electrically insulated from said collar and from each other. These contact points make electrical contact with the contact plate 236 which is fastened to, but electrically insulated from, the arm 232. Feeler 240 is a rod of square cross sectional form, free to move lengthwise in square holes in framework 20! and in arm 23 I, and it is provided with collars 24! and 242. A coil spring 243 loosely surrounds feeler 240 and exerts pressure against collar 24! and arm 23!. A rod 245 in longitudinal align ment with the rod 240 is guided by, and slides in, a bearing in the arm 232, and it is provided with collars 246 and 241. A coil spring 248 loosely surrounds rod 245 and exerts pressure against.

arm 232 and collar 246. To the face of collar 242, but electrically insulated therefrom, is fixed a contact plate 244, and likewise to the adjacent face 'of the collar 246 is fixed a contact piece 249. The feeler 250 is a rod of square cross section, free to movev with a sliding fit through square holes in framework 20! and arms 23! and 232. This feeler 250 is provided with collars 25! and 252. A coil spring 253 surrounding this feeler exerts pressure against collar 25! and arm 23!. To feeler 250 are fixed the contact strips 254, 256, 256 and 251, which strips are electrically insulated from the feeler 250 and from each other, These contact strips 254, 255, 256 and 251 may make electrical contact with the series of contact points I64, I65, I66 and I61, respectively. These contact points I64, I65, I66 and I61 are supported by, but electrically insulated from, the framework 20!. Stops 258, 259 and 260 are provided for rods 233, 240 and 250, respectively. These stops are mounted for longitudinal adjustment in a stationary support 26!. A rod 2620f square form in cross section which slides longitudinally in suitable guides provided in the stationary support 26!, is made at one end with a fork 262, which is engaged with a rim of the valve hand-wheel 263. On the opposite end of rod 262 spaced tappets 264 are provided for the purpose of tilting the arm 261 carrying a mercury switch 265, said arm being pivoted at 265 to the stationary support 26!.

A pair of glow lamps 266 are electrically connected with the two terminals 266', respectively, within the mercury switch, and electrically connected terminals 266 having connection with a current supply line, are arranged in the usual way within the switch with relation to the terminals 266* to cause one or the other of the lamps 266 to glow, accordingly as the switch is tilted in one direction or the otherto flow the mercury and complete the circuit. Thereby, when the valve is in open position, one of the two lamps will be caused to glow; and conversely, when the valve is in closed position, the other of the two lamps will glow. The dotted position of hand-wheel 263 and fork 2! 3 indicate their position when the valve 263 is closed. In Fig. 6, a portion 2! 3 of the companion closing device is shown, and also a portion 263 of the valvewheel to be operated thereby, portions of the fork H3 and of the valve 263 being broken away in order to exhibit the portions 2I3 and 263' of the valve-operating device and valve wheel adjacent thereto and next in line.

From an inspection of Fig. 1, it will be'evident that the motor-operated traveler is movable horizontally in either direction upon a track before a series of valves arranged in bank in vertical and horizontal rows.' It will also be evident that the motor-operated rider is movable vertically up and down relative to the traveler and may carry one or more, electrically operated devices for actively engaging the valve, or valves, with which it, or they, are aligned, to open or close the same. Through the relative movements of the traveler and rider, the valveoperating devices may be located before the valve or group of valves to be operated, within an allowable clearance, and through the centering and locking mechanisms on the traveler and -rider, respectively, in cooperation with the stop pins which serve both as accurate stop centers and locks, the valve-operating devices can be accurately aligned with respect to the valves to be operated thereby, and held against displacement in any direction from such accurately aligned position because the effective interlocking engagement which takes place with the pins by both the traveler and rider positively prevents any displacement of the traveler horizontally in either direction and any displacement of the rider vertically in either direction. It will, of course, be

understood that the pins 13 and 13 are so located that when they are engaged by the centering and locking mechanisms, as above described. the valve-operating devices will be accurately centered and locked in the proper position for engaging the wheel of the valve, or valves, tov be opened or closed.

In order to give an example of the utility of the invention in connection with a remote control station having means for indicating to the operator the status of a group of valves composed of more than two vertical and horizontal rows, I have shown in Fig. 7, a group or bank of valves arranged in horizontal rows Ha, HI) and He and vertical rows Va, Vb and V0; and in Fig. 8, a remote control station in the form of an operator's panel Op having pairs of signal or glow lamps arranged in horizontal rows Ha Hi) and H0 corresponding relatively and respectively to the horizontal rows of the valve bank, and also in vertical rows Va' Vb andvc corresponding relatively and respectively to the vertical rows of the valve bank. It will be evident that for each valve in the bank a pair of signal lamps which correspond with the pair of lamps 266 in Fig. 6, is provided in orderto' have means whereby to show when each valve is in open position and when the same is in closed position.

On the operator's control panel Op, two dial indicators I30 and l3l are illustra ed the purpose and object of which are to show, by or through the traveling movements of the rider and traveler, respectively, the position of the valve-operating devices 2M and 2M relative to the valves which are to be operated thereby.

. The index hand I32, with which the indicator I30 is equipped, is driven by the receiving motor (not shown) electrically connected to motor 46,

the transmitting and .receiving motors of which comprise a conventional selsyn" set that is to say, a set of self-synchronizing motors, as will be readily understood. Similarly the index hand I33, furnished on the indicator I3], is actuated by means of transmitting motor 42 and its receiving motor (not shown). The position of the hand I32 relative to the dial markings Ha, Hb and H0 on the dial of the indicator I30 indicates the relative position of the valve-operating device to the horizontal rows Ha, Hb and He of the valve bank. Similarly, the position of the hand I33 relative to the markings Va, Vb and V0 on the dial of the indicator l3! indicates the relative position of the valve-operating device in respect to the vertical rows Va, Vb and V0 of the valve bank.

On the operators control panel Op, three manually operated control switches, A, B and C, are

also mounted. Referring to Fig. 9, it will be seen that the blades of the switches A, B and C, are each provided with two contact bars. Thus, the blade of switch A carries the first and second contact bars A, A"; the blade of switch B carries similar bars B, B"; and the blade of switch C carries similar bars C and C". The second contact bars, A", B" and C", are fastened to, but electrically insulated from, their current carrying blades, as clearly shown in this figure. The normal position of these switches is that shown by the full lines. Switches A and'C are automatically returned to their normal position, being actuated by springs (not shown), when released from the pressure of .the hand of the operator. Switch B, likewise, is returned from the dotted positions shown to its normal position, but only wb 2n the circuit which has beenestablished in one of the holding coils I34 and I35 has been bro-ken by means later to be described. The three switches are so electrically interlocked that switch B, in the dotted. positions shown, is operative electrically only whenboth switch A and switch C are in their normal positions, and neither switch A nor switch C, when moved to its respective dotted positions as indicated, is electrically operative unless switch B is in its normal position.

At this point it is desired to point out that the operators control station or panel Op with its signal lamps, its two position indicators, and its three control switches, may be located remote from the valves to be operated. The position of the index hands of the indicators relative to the reference characters on the dials thereof, indicate at all times the position of the valve-operating devices 20! and 2M, relative to the valves in the bank. In the present embodiment switch A controls the forward and reverse movement, horizontally, of the traveler; switch C, the up and down vertical movement of the rider; and the remaining switch B, the operation of the accurate centering and locking mechanisms as well as the operation of the valve-operating devices for the opening or closing of the valve, or group of valves, desired. The two electric lamps 266, which are provided for each valve, or group of valves, are preferably of difierent color. One of these, when glowing, indicates the open, and the other, when glowing, the closed, position of the valve, or all of the valves in a group. These pairs of lamps, as has been observed, are arranged diagrammatically to correspond to the position of the valves in the bank. The operator. guided by the position of the index hands of the indicators or position-indicating devices, manipulates the two switches A and C controlling the horizontal movement of the traveler and the vertical movement of the rider, and in consequence roughly locates or centers the valve operating devices before the valve, or group of valves, selected for operation. By placing the third switch B in the opening or closing" position, the operatorthen causes the accurate centering and locking mechanism to function and the valve to be opened or closed as desired, the completion of the operation being indicated by the panel signal lamps. After the apparatus has been centered by the operator within an allowable tolerance, as indicated by the position-indicating devices, and the switch B manually arranged to open" or close the valve or group of valves desired, the remainder of the operation of accurate centering and locking, the actual manipulation of the valve or valves, the clearing of the electrical circuits, and the return of all mechanical parts to a position in which the apparatus is in readiness for the next operation, is entirely automatic.

The valves to be operated are arranged in spaced groups and two (or more) of the valveoperating devices such as is shown in detail in Fig. 6, are mounted on the rider 29. The electrical circuits shown in Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 may be arranged for the operation of the-valves in groups of two, but it will be understood that the apparatus may be constructed to operate more than two valves in a group,'ii desired. For simplicity of description, direct current is indicated, although alternating current can be used as well. Alternating current is of course required for the operation of the selsyn sets.

In the illustrated circuit diagrams, contactors which are re-set by re-set coils, are shown in the re-set or closed position. Contactors which are drawn into contact position by the action of coils which hold them in this position only when energized, are shown in the normal or open circuit position.

In the electrical circuit shown in Fig. 10, 24a and 24h are the armature and field, respectively, of the motor 24, and 24' is the solenoid coil of the magnetic coupling 26 associated with the motor 24. 31a and 31b are the armature and field, respectively, of the motor 31, and 31' is the solenoid coil or the magnetic coupling 39 associated with the motor 31. The solenoid or magnet coils i355, 231, 238, 39, I40, HI, and I35, 131, E38, 139, i411 and 14!, which are energized by the placing of the switches A and C in the positions indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 9; are all indicated with their associate contactors or relays 10. The normal position of-the contactors which the position to which they return when the coils are tie-energized, is the open position. It will be seen that when either of the coils 24 or 3'1 or" the magnetic couplings is energized, the solenoid coil 243 will also be energized to close its associated contactor. This operation will cause the how of current in the re-set coils I56,

re-setting the contactors shown associated with these coils in the circuits of Figs. 9 and 13.

In order to trace through a cycle of operation, let us assume that the operator has roughly centered the valve-operating device or devices, before the valve, or group of valves, as shown in Fl l, and has moved the switch 13 so that the coils M8, 348 and 162 (Figs. 9, 12 and 13) are energized and let us assume further that this is the position for closing the valve, or valves. Now the coil 148 causes the contactor associated with it, normally open as shown in Fig. 13, to close. Current now flows through the solenoid coil 64 and swings arms 51 and 12 into position for engaging the stop pin and also brings contact bars 68 into electrical contact with the points 69. This energizes coil 59 and causes arm 51 to approach arm 12. The rider 2!, being counterbalanced and now disconnected from the motor 31 and the reduction gear 38 since the magnetic coupling coil 31' is de-energized, is moved by the action oi. the arm 51 against the pin 13 until arms 51 and 12 assume the position shown in Fig. 1. The rider is now so located that the valve-operating devices are accurately centered relative to the horizontal row of valves desired, and remain locked in this position, until the valve or valves in the group are closed. In a similar manner, the traveler 20 is accurately centered and locked on a stop pin relative to the vertical row desired.

When the centering and locking of both the traveler and the rider have been completed, the solenoid coil I433: (Fig. 12) closes its associate contactor, and the solenoid coil 2H 01 the valveoperating device is also energized. So also is the coil 2i I or the companion valve-operating device.

The fork 2I3, and as well the fork 2I3' of the companion device, move forward and the prongs oi the forks engage the spokes of the wheels of the valves which are to be opened.

In Figs. 12 and 13, circuits are shown for two valve-operating devices 2M and 2M. Since these circuits and devices are alike, one only will be described. When the contactor associated with coil I431; is closed, current will flow in the armature 2I5a and the field 2I5b of the motor 2I5, by way of the contactors associated with coils I50, I54, I55, I51, and II, respectively, and the mercury switch 222, it being understood that the maximum speed of the motor will be controlled by the action of the mercury in the switch 222, which action causes the circuit to be broken intermittently at a predetermined speed, fixed by the angle of the switch with respect to the vertical, the amount of mercury in the tube, the distance of the tube from its axis of revolution, and the gear ratio of the train of gears between the cup 22I and the motor 2I5. Now, when the feeler 240 abuts against the stop 259, contact will be made between the contact bars 244 and 249, and this will result in energizing the solenoid coil I54 and cause the contactor associated with it to close the circuit through its upper contact points. The current will now reach the motor 2I5 through the resistance I45, all or in part, through all or part of the solenoid tripping coil 144,-the latter being the tripping coil for the contactor shown associated with re-set coil I56, and through mercury switch or governor 223 which is set at a greater angle with respect to the vertical than switch 222, and con sequently the maximum limit of the speed of motor 2I5 is less when current flows to it through upon the position of the contact bars 255 and 254 relative to the points I55 and I64, respectively, and this position is fixed by the adjustable stop 260 against which the feeler 250 abuts as it is carried forward by the sliding member 229, and in this connection the spring 253 is so designed that its compression is negligible until feeler 250 comes in contact with stop 260. It is readily seen that by the use of mercury switch 223 and the variable resistance I45 that the valve disk may be inched" down to its seat as slowly as desired. As the valve disk comes into contact with its seat, the current increases and the tripping coil I44 adjusted to proper strength, trips the contactor shown associated with re-set coil I56 when the torque reaches the value proper for the valve in question. It should be noted here that coll I41 is the tripping coil for the contactor associated with tripping coil I51 and that said contactor and the contactor associated with tripping coil I56 are so mechanically connected that the tripping of either contactor effects the tripping of both. The tripped contactors, associated with tripping coils I56 and I51, now complete circuit through their lower contact points, and cause a momentary reversal in rotation of the motor M5, the current in this case passing through coll I60 which is tripping coil for the contactor shown associated with the re-set coll I58 and which is adjusted to trip the contactor at'just suflicient value of current to move the motor armature slightly, thus freeing the strain on the gear train and allowing the fork 2I3 to withdraw freely from the valve wheel. The contactor tripped by coil I60 makes circuit through its lower contact points and energizes coll I6I which trips the contactor shown associated with it in Fig. 9. This action, when the contactor associated with I5I' of the companion circuit is also tripped, de-energizes holding coil I34 and causes the return of switch B to its normal position. All electrical circuits are now cleared" and the apparatus is ready for the next cycle'of operation. The closing of the valve, or valves, has been indicated to the operator by the glowing of the signal lamp on the panel of the operators station.

The operation of opening a valve being so similar to the operation of closing, which has just been described, and being easily traced on the electrical diagrams, it is not thought necessary to describe the same in detail.

While in the description the apparatus has functioned to close, or open, two valves of a group, it" will be evident that it is possible to change the circuits so that, with the valves so arranged that similarly positioned valves in the various groups are to be opened, and others relatively to, each other similarly situated in the various groups, are to be closed, the apparatus may be made to open certain valves of a group and close certain others at the same time. It will also be clear that if stationary or dummy wheels be substituted in lieu of the regular valve, or valves, in any group, that the device will function if the number of regular valves be not the same in all of the groups.

This apparatus, as shown in the drawings, is arranged for the operation of a valve in which the wheel is fastened to the valve stem and rises with it. For the operation of rising stem gate valves, the prongs of the fork M3 should be made longer, with the center of the fork bearing upon he end of the stem. The prongs of the fork are made longer, in this case, so that they slide on the spokes at right angles to the plane of the wheel as the wheel is rotated to open or close the valve. The length of the prongs should be greater than the maximum travel of the longest valve which the apparatus will be called upon to operate for this type of valve.

It is in place to remark here that instead of using a feeler connected for operation as herein shown and described in order to short circuit resistances and vary the strength of the tripping coils, one feeler may be employed for changing resistances only, and another feeler, similar in all respects, for varying the strength of the tripping coils, each of these feelers being provided with its individual adjustable stop associated with each valve.

It may also be observed that instead of using solenoids to directly move the parts of the accurate centering and locking mechanisms and to impart axial movement to the valve operating shaft with its forked end for engaging the valve, these parts may be actuated by the use of cylinders and pistons, operated either by air or hydraulically, suitable motor driven pumps or compressors being mounted on the traveler and rider for supplying the pressures required, and suitable valves for controlling the action of said devices being provided and controlled from the operating circuits substantially as illustrated .herein.

Contactors, for instance mercury switches, may be employed to operate relay circuits instead of carrying the full operating current as shown.

The necessary alternating current source of power including circuits for connecting the transmission and receiving motors of the selsyn sets have not been shown here, since the operation of such devices is well known. While series motors have been illustrated, it will be recognized that compound wound motors may be used if desired. Also it will be appreciated that starting resistances could be inserted in the motor circuits if required and that control switches A, B and C could be modified to progressively cut out such resistances.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions which I have employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and I have no intention in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents or counterparts of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but recognize that various modifications are possible. Moreover, as many changes could be made in the above construction and in the operative circuits and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Selective valve operating apparatus com prising an electric motor operated valve operat ing device, an electric motor operated means on which said device is operatively supported, having guided movement to and from a position in which said device will be in alignment with a selected valve to be operated thereby, and a re mote control for said motors including adistant statioir connected through electric circuits with said motors and having control switches.

2. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising an electric motor operated valve operating device, means on which said device is operatively supported'including a horizontally movable part and a vertically movable part, electric motor operated means for causing movement of said parts to respective positions in which the device will be roughly centered with respect to a selected valve which is to be operated thereby, electric motor operated locking means for said parts adapted on the locking operation thereof to position said parts at the locations accurately centering said device with respect to such valve and which are operative to lock said parts at the locations of accurate centering, a remote control for said motors including a distant station having control switches, and circuits for the motors extending to and operable by the switches.

3. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising an electric motor operated valve operating device, path-guided movable means on which said device is operatively supported, an electric motor on the supporting means for causing movement of said supporting means for roughly centering the device with respect to a selected valve which is to be operated thereby, a separate electric motor on the supporting means controlling means for further moving the supporting means to establish accurate centering of the device with respect to such valve and including means constituting a part thereof for locking the support ing means in accurately centered position, a distant station, electric circuit connections between the station and aforesaid electric motors including control switches at the station, certain of said circuits being interlocked and adapted to be rendered effective for permitting operation of the device for operating the valve only when said device is accurately centered.

4. The combination with a shaft having longitudinal and rotary movements, of means for moving the shaft longitudinally, an electric motor for rotating the shaft, a pair of feelers movable by the longitudinal movement of the shaft, stops individual to the feelers for engagement thereby, a normally open circuit for the motor, contacts on one feeler forming part of the circuit and arranged to close the circuit when the feeler engages its stop, bridging contacts on the other feeler forming part of this circuit and which are associated with contacts ofseries resistance coils and tripping coils for varying the resistance and varying the strength of the tripping coils when this feeler engages its stop, and a governor rotated by the motor including mercury switch means incorporated in the circuit to intermittently break the circuit at a predetermined speed of the motor for regulating the rotation of the shaft.

5.1m combination, a valve operating device having a connected electric motor adapted, when operated, to operate the device, a guided traveling frame supporting said device and its motor and having a connected electric motor adapted, when operated, to cause the travel of the frame, a remote station including switch mechanism, electrical systems associated with the switch mechanism including a line extending to the driving motor for said device and a line extending to the motor for said frame. said lines being interconnected to establish flow of energy for operating the motor for said device when the switch mechanism is in one position and for establishing how of energy for operating the motor for said frame when the switch mechanism is in another position.

6. A positioning mechanism comprising in combination with a driven traveling frame and a driven valve operating shaft thereon having longitudinal movement, electric motors individual to the frame and shaft for driving the same, magnetic means for moving the shaft longitudinally, an electric system for controlling the motors and magnetic means comprising a plurality of transmission circuits having interconnecting means for making and breaking the circuits, means for altering the relation of the interconnecting means and motors, and means for altering the relation of the shaft driving motor in accordance with the longitudinal position of the shaft.

7. The combination of a guided traveler, a guided rider thereon, mechanism for locking the traveler at a selected position along the course of its travel, mechanism for locking the rider at a selected position within the range of its movement, driving electric motors individual to the traveler, the rider, and the two locking mechanisms, a system including a plurality of transmission circuits for the motors, a remote station including a plurality of switches manually operative from their normal or non-voltage positions to their circuit-closing positions, said circuits extending to the switches and having interlocking arrangement of such character that the switches when moved to their circuit-closing positions control the operation of the motors at designated times and which are adapted thereupon to automatically return to their normal or non-voltage positions. E

8. The combination with a shaft having longitudinal movement and rotary movement, an electric motor for driving the shaft, an electromagnetic operator for imparting longitudinal movement to the shaft, 9. control switch, circuit connections for the motor and operator extending to the switch and which are adapted to be closed to actuate the motor and operator by the closing of the switch, said motor and operator being connected at one side of the circuit in series, a device in connection with the circuit between the operator and motor adapted to be operated for breaking and making the circuit, and means under the control of the longitudinal movement of the shaft controlling the operation of said device.

9. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising a valve operating device, frame means on which said device is operatlvely supported movable into and out of a position in which said device will be centered with respect to a selected valve to be operated thereby, said device having a relatively movable part for operating a valve, electric motors individual to the frame means and the valve operating part, a remote station having control switches, circuits for the motors having association with the switches and having interlocking arrangement adapted to render one motor inactive when the other is active, and make and break devices in the motor circuit for the valve operating part controlled from the movement of such part.

10. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising a structure adapted to be located in front of a group of valves and including power-operated frames, one of which is a supporting frame movable on a track extending in a course across the front of the group of valves and another a supported frame movable in guides in the supporting frame, a valve operating device mounted on the supported frame and having a power-operated part adapted to engage and operate a valve with respect to which it is aligned, said frames being relatively movable in different directions in order to locate said power-operated part in alignment with any valve in the group selected for operation, and remote control means operable from a station away from the structure and group of valves for controlling operation of the power-operated frames and power-operated part respectively.

11. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising a structure adapted to be located in front of a group of valves and including relatively movable frames, one of which is a supporting frame and another a supported frame, a valve operating device mounted on the supported frame and adapted, when operated, to engage and operate a valve with respect to which it is aligned, said supporting and supported frames being movable respectlvely in horizontal and vertical directions to locate said operating device in alignment with any valve selected for operation in the H0119. power means for causing movement of the frames and operation of said device, comprising electric motors individual to each frame and to said device, and circuits with switches therein connected with the motors and having interlocking arrangement whereby the motors for the respective frames will be automatically rendered inactive when the motor for said device is active.

12. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising an electric motor operated valve operating device adapted, when operated, to engage and operate a. valve with respect to which it is aligned, an electric motor operated frame supporting said device and adapted. when operated, to locate said device in alignment with any selected valve in a. group of valves, and circuits with control switches therein connected with the motors of said device and said frame and having interlocking arrangement whereby the motor for operating said device will be automatically rendered inactive when the motor for moving said frame is active.

13. In combination with a relatively movable carrier and relatively movable valve operating means mounted thereon and adapted to function to automatically engage and rotate a valve having a. definite location with relation to the range of movement of the carrier, of electrically operated means for causing movement of the carrier to bring the valve operating means into and out of a position in which it will function to engage and rotate the valve, and having in electrical connection therewith electrically operated means for indicating the position of the carrier and hence the relation of the valve operating means with respect to the valve, electrically operated means adapted to cause functioning of the valve operating means, and remote control means operable from a station away from the carrier and valve for controlling the operation of both of the mentioned electrically operated means, said electrically operated indicating means being located in association with saidremote control at such station.

14. The combination with a shaft having longitudinal movement andv rotary movement, of an electric motor for driving the shaft, an electromagnetic operator for imparting longitudinal movement to the shaft, a remote station including a control switch, circuit connections for the motor and operator extending to the switch and which can be closed to actuate the motor and operator by the closing of the switch, an operable circuit-breaking device in the connections between the operator and the motor normally rendering the circuit through the motor inoperative; means controlled by the movement of the shaft longitudinally to a desired position for op-- erating said device to render the motor circuit operative, and a governor rotated by the motor including mercury switch means connected in series with the motor to intermittently break the motor circuit at a pre-determined speed of the motor for regulating the rotationof the shaft.

15. Means for operating a wheel valve com-- prising an elongated valve engaging member, a support for the member movable to and from a position in which the member will be centered with respect to a valve, means for locking the support against movement in the position in which the member is centered, the member being mounted on the support to have longitudinal movement-and rotary movement, means for moving said member in its longitudinal direction for causing its engagement and disengagement with a valve, means for rotating said member in either direction whereby to move the valve to and from its seat, said means for moving the member longitudinally and said means for rotating it being effective only when the support is locked against movement.

16. Wheel valve operating apparatus comprising a support and a fork mounted thereon for rotating and lengthwise movements and adapted to engage the spokes of a wheel valve, said fork being operatively disposed on the support in such manner that the rotating force applied thereby istransmitted to the spokes a spaced distancefrom the turning axis of the valve, and said fork having a lengthwise movement substantially greater than the movement of the valve to and from its seat, and means for regulating the pressure of the fork against the spoke in its rotating movement.

17. In a valve operating device, the combination with a frame and a shaft with an armature portion mounted on the frame to have rotative and longitudinal movements, of a solenoid on the frame cooperating with the armature portion and adapted, when energized, to move the shaft in one direction, resilient means resisting the movement of the shaft and adapted to re-position the same after each solenoid operation, an electric motor on the frame and gearing connections between the motor and shaft whereby to rotate the latter on energization of the motor and during longitudinal movement of the shaft.

18. In a valve operating apparatus, the combination of two movable frames, oneof which is wheel mounted to travel substantially horizontally on a track rail and the other of which is mounted in guides in the first frame to travel substantially vertically thereon, cable means and a counterweight for counterbalancing the second frame, an electric motor connected with a traction wheel of the first frame and supplied with current by trolley lines for operating the first frame, a similar motor connected with said cable means and supplied with current by trolley lines for operating the second frame, valve operating 'means projecting laterally from one side of the second frame, an electric motor and its circuit connected with the valve operating means whereby to operate the same, and control means includingswitches located at a remote station for controlling the operation of said respective motors and effective to render the motors for both of the frames inoperative when the motor for the valve operating means is operative.

19. In a valve operating apparatus, the combination of two relatively movable frames containing a common verticalplane about which they may be similarly placed, the second frame being supported upon the first, a device mounted on the second frame and therewith movable and having a valve operating part operable laterally from one side of the common vertical plane, power means for each of the frames, power means for operating the valve operating part, means for locking the two frames against movement at selected positions, and means operable from a' remote station controlling the operation of the power means for each framcgthe valve operating means and the locking means.

20. The combination with a shaft having an end portion adapted to cooperate with the wheel of a valve the stem of which is turnable for opening and closing the valve, of actuating means for reciprocating the shaft axially to cause it to engage and disengage said end portion with the wheel, separate means for rotating the shaft in one direction to cause it to turn a valve 'to its seat and in another direction to cause it to turn the same to its open position, and means for causing slowing up of the rotation of the shaft when the valve is a predetermined distance from its seat and also when the valve is a predetermined distance from its open position.

21. A valve operating device having, in combination, a frame, a shaft mounted therein to have longitudinal and rotary movements, means for reciprocating the shaft longitudinally, separate means for rotating the shaft, a plurality of longitudinally movable spring-held feelers on the frame arranged in substantially parallel relation to the shaft, a sliding member connected with the shaft to'move with the longitudinal reciprocating movements thereof and connected with the feelers to impart thereto longitudinal reciprocating movements by the shaft, and stop means for limiting the movements of the feelers in at least one direction.

22. In awheel valve operating device, the combination with'a member for rotating the valve, of an electric motor and driven gear means between it and the member whereby to rotate the member, a normally open motor circuit and means for closing the same, a mercury switch supported for rotation in inclined position. means for rotating the switch from the operation of the motor, said switch being connected in the motor circuit and having the characteristic of intermittently breaking the closed circuit at a predetermined speed of the rotating switch whereby to control the maximum speed of the motor and hence that of the valve rotating member.

23. fhe invention as defined in claim 22, in which the member for rotating the valve comprises a shaft having a forked end for engaging the Wheel of the valve, and means for moving the shaft in its axial direction to engage its forked end with the wheel of the valve.

24. The invention as defined in claim 22, in

which the member for rotating the valve comprises a shaft having an armature portion and an end in the form of a fork for engaging the wheel of the valve, and a solenoid in the motor circuit associated with the armature in such manner that it is adapted when energized by the closing of the circuit to draw the armature into its coil and move the shaft axially in a direction to engage the forkthereof with the wheel of the valve.

25. The invention as defined in claim 22, in which the member for rotating the valve comprises a shaft having an end portion shaped to engage the wheel of the valve, means for axially moving the shaft to engage its end portion with the wheel, a slide feeler movable longitudinally by the axial movement of the shaft, and resistancecoils in the motor circuit cooperating with contacts on the feeler for regulating the amount of resistance in the motor circuit by the relative position of the feeler.

26. In combination, a shaft, means for moving the shaft axially toward a'termlnal of movement, a rotary device, an inclined mercury switch carried by said device and therewith rotatable, an electric motor, means driven by the motor for rotating said shaft and said rotary device, a motor circuit in which said switch is included, the characteristic of said switch being to intermittently make and break the circuit at a predetermined speed of the motor whereby to control the speed of rotation of the shaft as the latter approaches its terminal of movement.

27 In a valve operating device, in combination with a shaft mounted for bodily endwise and rotary movements, said shaft being separate from the valve and its stem and having means at one end thereof adapted to cooperate with a wheel on the valve stem, means for reciprocating the shaft endwise for effecting engagement and disengage- ,ment of its end means with the wheel, a reversible motor and its circuit, means including gearing between the motor and shaft for imparting rotary movement to the shaft, means under the control of the longitudinal movement of the shaft for causing reversal of the motor, and governor means driven by the motor and including an interrupter in the circuit for regulating the operation of the motor. A

28. A valve operating device having, in combination a shaft disposed for longitudinal and rotary movements, means for reciprocating the shaft longitudinally, means for rotating the shaft in either direction, a plurality of longitudinally movable spring-held feelers arranged substantially parallel to the shaft, a sliding member connected with the shaft to move with the longitudinal reciprocating movements thereof and connected with the feelers to impart longitudinal reciprocating movements by the shaft, adjustable stops for limiting the movements of the feelers ace-1,814

in at least one direction, contacts on at least one feeler forming part of an electric circuit and arranged to be separated to break the circuit when the feeler engages its corresponding stop, contacts on at least one feeler forming part of the circuit and arranged to be engaged to close the circuit when the feeler engages its corresponding stop, and bridging contacts on at least one feeler forming part of a circuit and associated with contacts of series resistance coils and tripping coils whereby to vary resistance and to vary the number of turns in strength of the tripping coils when the feeler engages its corresponding stop, and said contacts being arranged to perform their respective functions luring the rotation of the shaft.

29. Means for centering and looking a movable part on a center pin comprising a rock shaft on the movable part, a lever arm fixed on the shaft and adapted to engage one side of the pin, a second lever arm in which the shaft is longitudinally slidable adapted to engage the opposite side of the pin, said second lever arm adapted, when rocked, to rock the shaft, means for rocking the second lever arm and through it the shaft, in a direction to position the axis of both arms in a plane of the pin axis at opposite sides thereof, and means for subsequently moving the shaft longitudinally and thereby causing both arms to engage against the pin from opposite sides thereof.

30. In an object clamping device, the combination of two solenoids arranged at right angles to one another with their axis in different planes, a lever arm and a shaft slidable lengthwise therein and adapted to be rocked by the rocking action of said lever arm, means operated by the energizetion of one solenoid for rocking said lever arm and shaft in one direction, a second lever arm fixed to said shaft, and means operated by the other solenoid for moving'said shaft lengthwise in a direction to bring said second lever arm in position to clamp an object between it and the first lever arm.

31. An object clamping device having, in combination, two lever arms adapted to clamp an object from opposite sides thereof, a'shaft to which one arm is fixedly attached, slidable longitudinalq ly in a keyway in the other arm, means for retaining the second arm from moving with the longitudinal movement of the shaft, and means for moving the shaft in a direction to draw the first arm toward the second arm.

32. A valve operating apparatus comprising a valve operating device, an upright propellable traveler, a rider carrying the valve operating device and mounted on the traveler for vertical operation, electric motor operated means controlling the operation of the rider, electric motor operated means controlling the propulsion of the traveler, and trolley feed lines for supplying said electric m'otors with current.

33. A valve operating apparatus having'a motoroperated upright traveler mounted on wheels turning on a track rail, a motor-operated counterbalanced rider having its opposite ends slidably engaged in" vertical ways in said traveler, two selsyn sets having their transmitting motors mounted respectively on the traveler and rider, the rotor of each set having a ton therefor including reduction gearing and a pinion,

a stationary gear rack with which the pinion of each transmission is engaged, the gear rack for the traveler being located parallel with the track rail while that for the rider is disposed on the traveler parallel with the path of movement of the rider, the reduction gearing in the trnnsmis- Tl amen sion for the traveler set having a ratio such that the maximum travel permitted the traveler in either direction produces less than one revolution of its connected rotor, and the reduction gearing in the transmission for the rider set having a ratio such that the maximum travel of the rider in either direction produces less than one revolution of its connected rotor.

34. A selective valve operating apparatus comprising a motor-operated traveler, a motor-operated rider on the traveler and a motor-operated valve operating device on the rider, circuits for the respective motors including manually operated switches, said circuits and switches being arranged in such interlocking relation that the switch controlling the circuit for operating the motor for the valve operating device can be placed in-eflective position only when the switches controlling the circuit for operating the traveler's motor and the rider's motor, respectively, are in normal or ineffective positions.

35. The invention defined in claim 34, in which accurate centering and locking mechanisms are provided for the traveler and rider respectively and operated electrically through connections connected through contactors with the circuit for the valve operating device motor and in such manner that when the switch controlling the circuit for causing operation of the latter is placed in effective position the accurate centering and locking mechanisms will be operated to center and lock the traveler and rider, respectively, prior to effective engagement of the valve operating device proper with the valve to be operated thereby.

36. The invention as defined in claim 22, in which the member for rotating the valve comprises a shaft adapted to engage the wheel of the valve, means for axially moving the shaft to engage it with the wheel, a slide feeler connected with the shaft for longitudinal movement by the axial movement of the shaft, resistance and tripping coils in the motor circuit, bridging contacts on the feeler and therewith movable, comprising a bridging contact in cooperation with the resistance coil for regulating the amount of resistance in the motor circuit by the relative position of the feeler, and a bridging contact in cooperation with the tripping coil for varying by the relative position of the feeler the number of turns in the tripping coil whereby to regulate the pressure with which the valve is closed against its seat'by the shaft.

37. In combination, a valve operating device having a connected electric motor adapted, when operated, to operate the device, a guided traveling frame supporting said device and its motor and having a connected electric motor adapted, when operated, to cause the travel of the frame, a remote station including switch mechanism, electrical systems associated with the switch mechanism extending one to the motor for said device and the other" to the motor for said frame, said systems being interconnected to establish flow of energy for operating the motor for said device when the switch mechanism is in one position and for establishing flow of energy for operating the motor for said frame when the switch mechanism is in another position.

38. In a valve operating apparatus of the character described, a movable frame having a connected electric driving motor whereby to be moved, a'valve operating device supported on the frame and having a connected electric driving motor whereby to be operated, a remote control station including electrically interlocking switch mechanism, with electrical transmission systems extending to said motors, and, according to the connective relation of the switch mechanism, au-

tomatically effective to establish an electrical circuit through; the driving motor for said frame only when there has been disestablishment of the electrical circuit through the driving motor for said device, and vice versa.

39. A valve operating apparatus comprising a traveler, a rider operativeiy supported on the traveler, a valve operating device supported on the rider, electric driving. motors individual to said traveler, rider and device, a remote control station and electrical make and break systems having connection with each of said driving motors, and actuable switches at said station interlockingly connected with said systems, by the actuation of which each of said-driving motors may be independently operated.

40. In a valve operating apparatus having a movable frame operated by a connected electric driving motor and a valve operating device supported on the frame and operated by a connected electric driving motor, the combination of interconnecting transmission circuits for the driving motors including interlocking switches manually operated from normal to effective positions and automatically returnable from effective to normal positions, a holding coil with interconnecting circuit therefor for the switch controlling the motor connected with the valve operating device, to hold said switch against returning to normal position until said coil is deenergized, means in connection with the circuits for rendering the second switch electrically inoperative in effective position at all times when the first-named switch is held by its holding coil, and electrical means included in the circuits, de pending for action upon a pre-determined position of the valve operating device, for tripping 

